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Post by eloneen on Dec 4, 2017 0:30:17 GMT
I have not been to a concert where I wanted to purchase concert merchandise in ..... many, many a few years... I'm planning my budget for my trip to Philly and I'm thinking about how much "stuff" I might want to buy and how much I want to spend for it. So for those of you who have been to shows on the recent tours, I have a few questions: What are the prices like for tee- shirts? What type of merchandise would be must-have memorabilia, in your opinion? Is some of the tour merchandise available online? Any helpful/special tips for newbies? Thanks in advance!
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Post by Horacewimp on Dec 4, 2017 8:36:06 GMT
The T shirts have been in the price range of £25-£30 and a program if I remember correctly £15.
There are also badges, mugs, key rings etc for sale. Always go for the official stall which is usually inside the venue, take a suitable fold up bag with you to carry anything you buy. The stall is usually open after the show but I don't risk it, at Wembley the T shirts ran out very quickly so buy early and if possible take it back to your car before the show starts.
I always go for a T shirt or two and a program.
The merchandise from the last tours hasn't been available online.
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Post by Timeblue on Dec 4, 2017 11:49:55 GMT
There was plenty of bootleg stuff on the outside too....
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Post by eloneen on Dec 4, 2017 11:52:27 GMT
.... if possible take it back to your car before the show starts. I think I'll be taking my new shirt to the ladies room and changing into it before the show starts! Thanks so much, Horacewimp!
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Post by Timeblue on Dec 4, 2017 11:53:08 GMT
The T shirts have been in the price range of £25-£30 and a program if I remember correctly £15. There are also badges, mugs, key rings etc for sale. Always go for the official stall which is usually inside the venue, take a suitable fold up bag with you to carry anything you buy. The stall is usually open after the show but I don't risk it, at Wembley the T shirts ran out very quickly so buy early and if possible take it back to your car before the show starts. I always go for a T shirt or two and a program. The merchandise from the last tours hasn't been available online. I didn't take a bag and ended up carrying t-shirt and programme around all evening
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Post by eloneen on Dec 4, 2017 11:54:13 GMT
There was plenty of bootleg stuff on the outside too.... After I nail some of the good stuff, I'll check that out, too. What kinds of stuff are they usually selling outside?
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Post by eloneen on Dec 4, 2017 12:11:48 GMT
One more question (for now ): How early did you arrive to the arena to allow time for shopping, etc.?
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Post by Horacewimp on Dec 4, 2017 12:56:16 GMT
I got to Wembley early as we made a day out of the event.
For the other concerts I didn’t arrive too early probably arrived at the nearest car park 45 minutes before the support band were scheduled to come on, some people have drinks and food before the concert that’s not for me.
If possible see if you can pre book a car park near the venue that takes out the stress of find a parking place.
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Post by Timeblue on Dec 4, 2017 15:03:26 GMT
I on the other hand, got there later than expected ( not by choice,the tube was horrendous)I arrived mid way through Tom Chaplin's set.
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Post by eloneen on Dec 4, 2017 18:16:20 GMT
Thanks so much for all of that information! I really lucked out! My hotel is only about 2/3 mile away from the arena. Unless it's raining, I plan to walk to the concert. I might try to catch a taxi afterwards if it looks deserted and sketchy on the route back, but since the hotel is already sold out for that night, I'm guessing I'll have plenty of ELO-loving company walking back, and won't need to take a taxi!! I'm glad I made my reservation as soon as I decided to go to the Philly concert!
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Post by tightrope on Dec 4, 2017 22:44:00 GMT
We got lucky and found a hotel across the street from the Toyota Center. I hope they allow bags or the merchandise is outside where you need tickets. Security is tight nowadays.
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Post by queenofthehours on Dec 6, 2017 18:33:10 GMT
I second everything Horacewimp has said.
At Wembley I didn't buy a t-shirt (which I now regret) because I couldn't decide which to get and the prices were too much to make a mistake with. I'd recommend you don't get too goggle-eyed and over-excited at the selection like I did and choose nothing. Anything is better than nothing!
Prices at the ELO merch stall are not cheap and one rule I stand by is to always get a programme. If nothing else at all get a programme. It's collectable and easy to store and the easiest thing to part with money for.
I feel a bag to put your purchases in is essential, especially to keep your programme clean - goodness knows how many programmes I've ruined by splashing water from the sink in the toilets all over them. If possible it's good to run back to the hotel to put your merch away before the show starts. It's a weight lifted from your mind that nobody is going to crease, kick, or steal your precious purchases. I did this at Wembley. I also recommend if possible to book the closest hotel you can to the venue if traveling. I stayed across the road for both the 2016 Liverpool show and the Wembley show. This way you don't need to rush out after the show or worry about the crush on public transport.
Tip I wish I'd followed: take a special "merch stash". Some money in a wallet separate from your day-to-day money. That way you won't spend too much money (or too little money!)
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Post by eloneen on Dec 6, 2017 23:36:05 GMT
Thanks queenofthehours ! That is helpful information! I have a very lightweight large purse that I often use when I travel. I'll probably get at least one tee shirt, a program and one or two small items.
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